The Liberal Party has a new leader—former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney—who will take the party into the next federal election after winning a resounding first-ballot victory.
Carney captured 85.9 per cent of the vote on Sunday, easily defeating former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Liberal MP Karina Gould, and former MP Frank Baylis.
His win wraps up a fast-paced, two-month leadership race triggered by Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down.
“Mark Carney and the Liberal team are ready to deliver a strong plan that will grow our economy, stand up to Donald Trump, and build a better future for all Canadians,” said Sachit Merha, President of the Liberal Party of Canada.
“After years of following Donald Trump’s playbook and calling Canada ‘broken,’ Pierre Poilievre is the wrong choice at the wrong time – and only Mark Carney will defend and protect our country.”
Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6th after mounting pressure from within the party. His declining popularity had tanked Liberal support in the polls, raising concerns about their chances in the next election.
But Carney’s entry into politics—and growing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s economic policies—seems to have given the Liberals a much-needed boost.
Just months ago, the party was struggling, but with an election on the horizon, they’re hoping their new leader can turn things around.
According to media release from the Liberal Party media of Canada, 151,899 registered Liberals voted in the leadership race, out of the 163,836 that verified their identity to vote – more than the 2013 Leadership race.
Mark Carney received 131,674 votes, resulting in 29,457 points on the first ballot to win the Leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada and become the next Prime Minister.
